Uganda is witnessing a heartbreaking rise in suicides among school-going children. While multiple factors contribute, one growing concern is the impact of excessive screen time and digital addiction.
Excessive screen use floods the brain with dopamine -the "feel-good" chemical - conditioning users to crave instant gratification and rewiring their brains to expect immediate rewards. This constant cycle of instant gratification weakens their ability to cope with delays, disappointments, and real-life challenges, leading to frustration, anxiety, and emotional breakdowns. Additionally, prolonged screen exposure, especially before bedtime, reduces melatonin production - the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Poor sleep quality worsens mood disorders, weakens emotional resilience, and increases the risk of depression.
Gradually, when children face real-world struggles that don’t deliver instant rewards like their screens and social media do, they become more vulnerable to hopelessness. Some, feeling trapped and emotionally drained, see no way out.
As parents, educators, policymakers, regulators, and caregivers, we must act now. Regulating screen time, promoting healthy sleep habits, encouraging offline interactions, and teaching emotional resilience are critical steps in safeguarding our children’s mental well-being. This is not only a parenting issue; it's a national crisis.
Let’s act before it’s too late.
By: Owen Mwesigye
📞 +256 775 705779
A Digital Citizenship Advocate
Managing Director, Redwall Ltd
#DigitalAddiction #DigitalCitizenship #Digitalwellness #RedwallInsights #Redwall
